Tag Archives: rc1600v2

We might be nearing the end of the traditional racing season, but that’s no reason not to check out the latest racer that New Balance has to offer.

145g for a US 8.5

This isn’t a new shoe, it’s actually an update to the RC1600 that was launched a couple of seasons ago. This version isn’t wildly different, but then again, why change a good thing right?

Outsole remains unchanged in V2

For you eagle-eyed runners out there, you would have noticed that the outsole has remained unchanged from the original. The high traction studs and carbon plate in the outsole are still there, as of course, is the Revlite cushioning compound. It feels like the heel drop remains at 6mm as well. The RC1600v2 claims to be a shoe that can take you from a 5k race up to the marathon. At 145g, this shoe is pretty feather-weight, but I have to say that that might not be an empty claim. Even after a couple of steps, you feel that this shoe packs more cushioning than it’s thin outsole would have you believe it has.

Fantomfit in the upper

The big updates to the RC1600v2 are in the upper. The upper remains light and breathable with it’s open mesh construction. The FantomFit upper has been redesigned, improving the level of comfort as well as the fit. The original RC1600 was already super comfortably, but the v2 goes a step further in locking your foot in without being overbearing. Inside the shoe, it is virtually seamless so sockless running is definitely an option.

Hard to be missed in a pair of these

The RC1600v2 is New Balance’s premium racer and it proves itself well worth of that title. The use of premium materials in the upper through to the outsole combine to deliver a shoe that ticks all the boxes when it comes to weight, fit, performance and though some might disagree, looks. The RC1600v2 run true to size and have a spacious toe box that is often sacrificed in many of the other racers out there. This is still a shoe that might be best suited for distances up to the half marathon for most, but biomechanically efficient runners will be able to take this through to the marathon with little issue.

The women’s Ironman World Champion, Mirinda Carfrae, recently wore the RC1600v2 to a swift course-record breaking 2hr50min marathon in Kona.